With a donation of 2 million euros to the Ministry of Health, covering the services of the National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB), the four systemic banks (Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank and Piraeus) contribute to strengthening the capabilities of patient airlifts throughout the Greek territory during the summer months of 2026.
The sponsorship supports a modern initiative of the Ministry of Health, specifically of EKAB, so that it can respond immediately to particularly urgent incidents, in difficult transport conditions, especially during the summer period when needs are increased.
The chairman of the board of directors of the Hellenic Bank Association, Giorgos Zanias, representing the four donor banks, stated: «The protection of human life is of utmost priority. With this new donation, the four systemic banks join forces to strengthen the work of the Ministry of Health and EKAB and to make a substantial contribution to its operational readiness, especially in areas where time is crucial for saving a life.
This initiative confirms once again the commitment of the banks to initiatives with a strong social impact. Every time the public and private sectors cooperate with a common goal, they can achieve substantial results for the benefit of all citizens».
The Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, stated: «The strengthening of EKAB's air ambulance fleet with two fully equipped helicopters is a particularly important addition for the National Health System and, above all, for the safety of the citizens and visitors of our country. During the summer period, when needs increase significantly, the ability for immediate and safe transport of critically ill patients can prove crucial for saving human lives.
I would like to warmly thank the four systemic banks Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank and Piraeus for this important donation to the NHS. This initiative demonstrates in practice that when the public and private sectors cooperate with a common purpose, they can offer substantial solutions that strengthen public health and save lives. At the Ministry of Health, we consistently continue to strengthen EKAB, investing in modern means, equipment and human resources, so that every citizen, in every corner of Greece, has access to immediate and quality emergency pre-hospital care. This is our commitment and we implement it daily with concrete actions».
The delivery of the project took place today at the Megara civil airport, in the presence of the Minister of Health Ad. Georgiadis, the Deputy Minister of Health M. Themistokleous, the CEOs of Alpha Bank, V. Psaltis, of Eurobank, F. Karavias, the chairman of the board of directors of National Bank, Gk. Hardouvelis, the CEO of Piraeus, Chr. Megalou, the president of EKAB, G. Charalambous, and the acting general manager of the Hellenic Bank Association (HBA), Ch. Apalagaki.
Within the framework of the agreement, the provision of two modern helicopters of the type Leonardo AW139 is foreseen, fully equipped for air ambulance missions and staffed with specialized crews, which will operate under the operational coordination of EKAB, covering the needs of mainland and island Greece.
The initiative is implemented following a relevant request from the Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis. The Hellenic Bank Association, representing the four donor banks, undertook the coordination and implementation of the donation, in accordance with the applicable institutional framework.